Pastor's Blog

Ralph Benjamin Patterson, age 103, of Gadsden, AL was born on September 02, 1920 to Lauil and Agnes Patterson. He was raised in Whorton Bend and had two siblings, Price (Kathryn) Patterson and Julia Belle (Cantrell) Thompson. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 24, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Patterson, aka “Pat” and “Pap”, was stationed in San Diego and proudly served his country in the United States NAVY. He was in the battle of Twwara and later served in the Marshall Islands. After being discharged, he returned to Alabama and was employed with Continental Trailways where he retired after 31 years. He and his first wife, Jackye, had two daughters. He later married Dee and they resided in Powder Springs, GA. He was a member of Powder Springs Baptist Church. In 2013, Mr. Patterson moved to Regency Pointe where he resided until his death. There, he was given the most wonderful care and made many dear friends.

Mr. Pat was one of the biggest Alabama fans! We will miss his “Roll Tide” whenever you mentioned his favorite team. He was honored at one of the Alabama games last year for his military service and loyalty to the Tide for many years. He had season tickets for over 40 years. Section C, row 37, seats 10-11, will never be the same.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline Miller Patterson; second wife, Delores Dean Patterson; daughter, Patricia Patterson Choate; grandson, Bruce Free; and his parents and siblings.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie (Tony) McGlaughn; grandchildren, Wendy (John) Miller, Traci Free, Dana Holland, Lynn (Terry) Lucas, and Ryan (Jamie) McGlaughn; great grandchildren, Justin (Kayla) Murphree, Logan (Ari) Murphree, Brantley Holland, Julie Holland, Mollie Free, Graham (Marlee) Brady, Mason (Chloe) McGlaughn, Anna (boyfriend Mason) Brady, Maggie Free, and Tucker (girlfriend Rylie) McGlaughn; great-great grandsons, Abel Benjamin Murphree and Jonah Murphree; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Mr. Pat is also survived by his special friends, Andy and Betty Hamil, Jerry and Diane Davis, Tom and Carol Patterson, Sonny and Sharon Paul, Bob and Lois Owens, Virginia Boswell, Derrell and Beth Shelton, Tim and Nelda Choate, Willie and Inez West, Rebecca Dellinger, Cathy Milner Calhoun, Priscilla Smith, Donna McCartney, Wayne and Karon Fortenberry, and Mayor Joe Taylor.

A visitation for Mr. Patterson will be held Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Brother Lauil Thompson and Brother Larry Fuhrman will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Collier-Butler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Graham Brady, Mason McGlaughn, Tucker McGlaughn, Justin Murphree, Dalton Murphree, Logan Murphree, Bradley Holland, and Ritchie Patterson.